Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris explained their decision to select Michael Penix Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Terry Fontenot, wearing a gray blazer and red tie over his white dress shirt, listened carefully to Raheem Morris, who sported a navy blue blazer and black tie.Fontenot, hands together and leaning forward, chimed in.The Falcons’ new leadership pairing was nearly-three hours removed from bypassing an entire draft class of defenders for Penix – and a month and a half removed from giving
But during his press conference Tuesday, Fontenot said the Falcons aren’t necessarily drafting for the present – each move is made with the player’s entire rookie contract under consideration.“We’re thinking more long-term with this,” Fontenot said. “Still very, very excited about Kirk – that has not changed. This is a pick thinking about the future.”Cousins was informed of Atlanta’s decision to select Penix just moments before the card was officially submitted.
“When you have a lot of belief in a player, you can’t pass that up,” Fontenot said. “If we weren’t staring at Penix, we weren’t going to reach and force something. We have a lot of belief in the player and we know he can be a future franchise player.” The Falcons intend on winning with Cousins – and, consequently, won’t have the chance to select a long-term solution in future drafts.
The dilemma Atlanta finds itself facing is time. Penix turns 24 years old on May 8, and with Cousins earning $90 million guaranteed over the next two years, the starting spot is cemented. While at Indiana University, Penix suffered a pair of torn ACLs and season-shortening shoulder injuries . He didn’t miss a game across the past two years at Washington, something Morris cited Thursday night. Atlanta’s doctors evaluated Penix and felt his medicals were safe.
NFL Draft Michael Penix Jr. Kirk Cousins
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kirk Cousins ‘Stunned’ After Atlanta Falcons Draft Michael PenixThe Atlanta Falcons surprised many when they selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in Thursday’s draft. But perhaps nobody was as s
Read more »
Atlanta Falcons Stun NFL Draft with QB Michael Penix at No. 8Despite signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract, the Atlanta Falcons opted to pick the draft's fourth quarterback.
Read more »
NFL draft 2024: Bears take Caleb Williams; Atlanta Falcons surprise with Michael Penix Jr. pickThe Chicago Bears started the NFL draft by picking Caleb Williams, before the Washington Commanders took Jayden Daniels. Follow for updates and analysis.
Read more »
2024 NFL Draft: Seahawks reportedly tried to trade up for Michael Penix JrPenix went to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall.
Read more »
Conspiracy theories explain why Falcons picked Michael Penix Jr., blindsiding Kirk CousinsWhy did the Falcons select Michael Penix Jr. when they just signed Kirk Cousins?
Read more »
Falcons GM Explains Why Team Drafted Michael Penix Jr. After Signing Kirk CousinsTerry Fontenot and Raheem Morris broke down the Falcons' decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick.
Read more »